One of the EV charging stations at UH Manoa’s Lower Campus Parking Structure.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Parking Services extends further benefits to electric vehicle owners, who may currently park for free (on a space available basis) in the Lower Campus Parking Structure. Partnering with Better Place Hawaiʻi, two charging stations for electric vehicles are now also available on the ground level, Row F, of this parking facility located near the University’s Athletics Complex. Charging is limited to four hours per day per vehicle. The six parking spaces adjacent to the chargers are reserved for EV use only.

The Better Place “Charge Spots” are activated with a membership card, available from http://www.betterplace.com/hawaii. There is no cost for membership through 2012; thus charging in the UH parking structure is effectively free for this year. The card also gives members free access to the entire network of more than 120 Better Place charge points expected to be operating across the state this year. Beginning January 1, 2013, drivers will have the option to sign up for an affordable Better Place membership plan.

"Weʻre very pleased that this partnership with Better Place will allow us to offer another benefit to those commuting to the Mānoa campus via a sustainable mode of transportation,” stated Raymond Shito, Manager of UH Mānoa’s Parking and Transportation Services. “Electric vehicle owners – University affiliates (students and employees), as well as members of the public who are attending sporting events in our Athletics Complex – will now be able to enjoy not only free parking in our Lower Campus Parking Structure but free charging for the year."

Volta Industries, another EV charging network, recently installed a charger at the campus motor pool to service the University’s fleet of vehicles. The fleet is gradually expanding its small contingent of low-speed “neighborhood electric vehicles” to include EVs produced by major automobile manufacturers.

The mission of the University of Hawaiʻiʻs Parking Services is to maximize access to the Mānoa campus through a commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, resource management, and quality customer service. For the University’s Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Parking and more, go to www.hawaii.edu/parking. Parking Services also provides regular announcements and updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/commuteUHM) and Twitter (@ParkingManoa).